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JAMES 5:17, 18

"THE MAN GOD USES"

Intro:   James has just exhorted us to pray, encouraging us by saying "The effectual  fervent
         prayer..."

I. WE ALL DESIRE TO SEE THE POWER OF GOD DEMONSTRATED THROUGH OUR LIVES.
        A. We want to be used by God.
                1. When we read of Peter, how they would position the sick so his shadow might
                   fall.
                2. When we read of Paul, the aprons and sweat bands.
                3. When we read of Daniel, interpreting dreams; delivered from lions den.
        B. We hold these men in awe, as though they were something special or super.
                1. We wouldn't dare stand in line in front of them.
                2. Or burp in their presence.
                3. We elevate them to a special sort of super-human category.
                        a. They must never have to go to the bathroom.
        C. We most of the time, disqualify ourselves from God's service, because we re human.
                1. As Moses,  I am not eloquent."
                2. As Jeremiah, "I'm too young."
                3. How can God use me?
                        a. I get hungry, I get tired, I get cross.
                        b. I get discouraged, I get scared.

Il. WHAT KIND OF MEN DOES GOD USE? NOW ELIJAH.
        A. Elijah's one of our heroes.
                1. He called down fire from heaven on the King's host.
                2. He challenged the priests of BaaI.
                3. By prayer he stopped the rain for 3-1/2 years, then by prayer started it
                   again.
        B. Elijah was a man just like you.
                1. He got discouraged, hungry, tired, upset, scared.
        C. God uses plain ordinary people just like you.
                1. Paul was willful and ugly, Peter was high tempered.
                2. God doesn't use just beautiful people.
        D. God wants to use you.
                1. Availability more than ability is the criteria.
                2. "I beseech ye therefore brethren..."
                3. Give God a chance in your life make yourself available to Him.
                4. If you will just use what you have for God, He will then give you more.
                5. You have only one life.
                6. The eyes of the Lord go to and fro.
        E. God can use you in prayer if in no place else.
                1. The Bible says give yourself to prayer.
                2. "The effectual fervent prayer."
                3. Elijah prayed earnestly.
                4. Don't get discouraged and give up -- pray!
                5. Don't get scared and hide -- pray!